Patna: Indian fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar have been appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) in the Bihar Police under the state’s ‘Medal Lao, Naukri Pao’ scheme.
The appointment letters were handed over by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary at a ceremony held at the Urja Auditorium in Patna on Friday. The event recognised the achievements of athletes across the state through government jobs, scholarships and cash awards.
Nineteen Athletes Receive Government Appointments
A total of 19 outstanding athletes received appointment letters under the sports recruitment initiative.
Along with Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, athlete Piyush Raj was appointed as a Sub-Inspector (SI) of Police. Appointment letters were also issued to several other athletes, including five para-athletes, based on their sporting achievements.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, and other senior government officials.
International Medal Winners Honoured
The Bihar government also honoured athletes who have represented India and won medals at international competitions under the Sports Honour Scheme.
Athlete Setu Mishra, Bihar’s first international athletics gold medallist, received Rs 37.50 lakh for winning gold and silver medals at the Asian U-23 Athletics Championships.
Vibhaskar Kumar, who represented India at the same championship, was awarded Rs 2 lakh. Mariyam Fatima, who won a bronze medal in the Blitz event at the Commonwealth Youth Chess Championship, received Rs 9 lakh.
Scholarships Announced For 637 Athletes
The state government also issued sports scholarship selection letters to 637 athletes for the current financial year.
According to the government, 21 athletes were selected under the Utkarsh scheme, 184 under the Saksham scheme, and 432 under the Prerana scheme. Of those selected under the Prerana scheme, 269 athletes were identified through the state-wide Mashal Talent Search Programme.
The scholarship programmes aim to provide financial assistance, training and access to better sporting infrastructure to help athletes compete at national and international levels.
Government Reiterates Support For Sportspersons
Addressing the gathering, Samrat Choudhary said the Bihar government remains committed to promoting sporting talent and providing athletes with secure career opportunities.
He said the state has continued to strengthen sports development by offering government jobs, scholarships and financial incentives to deserving athletes.
